16th September, 2014
By Modupe Eka
Last week we discussed about the D and the I. We will explore today the S and the C personality types. They are distinct from the earlier two types.
The S personality type is both reserved and people oriented can be described as supportive, stable, steady, and sweet, shy, and loves status quo. They provide necessary support to help complete the job. They like to do one thing at a time unlike the D. Routine may be boring to the D, but to the S, it gives a great deal of security knowing things are constant and in order. They are great helpers. The hardest word for the S to say is the word ‘no’ they are people-pleaser, they look for ways to cooperate and help because they want you to feel loved and supported.
Their philosophy is all of us are better than one of us., if we all work together we make a great team. Their ideal environment is predictable, stable and harmonious. Late mother Theresa was a S personality and a biblical example is Apostle John, he was quiet, unassuming loved, In all his gospel, he did not even mention his own name because he wanted Jesus to receive all the glory, honor and praise. Always he took a humble back-seat role to Jesus and the other disciples.
The C type of personality can be described as cautious, calculating, competent, conscientious, contemplative and careful. They like consistent quality and excellence. Their philosophy: anything worth doing is worth doing correctly, they want to provide quality goods and service, through careful and conscientious work.
They skeptically evaluate all things when in contact with you for the first time they are thinking “Who is this guy?’ How do we know this isn’t bogus information? Where does he get his facts? Is he really correct? And so on and so on… They have an endless stream of questions. They seek perfection and thrive in environment that is structured with procedures accuracy and quality.
A good Nigerian example is our own Madam due process Obiageli Ezekwesili, former Nigerian education minister and the current minister of Finance Ngozi Okonji-Iweala. A biblical example is Apostle Thomas remember when Jesus arose from the dead and the others told him that they have seen The Lord, Thomas replied that until he sees him, touch him and feel all the wounds he will not believe. As a C he needed proof.
We all know that we should approach certain animals differently and treat them differently based on what we know about them. The same is true with people. In order to have the best possible relationship with other people you need to treat them in a certain way, based on how they are wired.
Understanding how you are wired is only half the challenge in creating better relationships. You must also learn how God has designed others so you can interact with one another appropriately. Adapting our style in dealing with others requires purposeful and deliberate efforts, especially when we are under pressure- that is when we tend to revert to the behaviours that make us comfortable. (for more information/workshop on how to develop your personality you can visit wisepersonality site).
Now that we have examined the four types of temperament can you figure which best describe you? Next time we will continue to look into our design and makeup. See you at the top.